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Founded about 1878 in the Union Chapel community (approximately 1/4 mi. SE of this site), this congregation has been in continuous existence since that time. Built on land donated by Dr. and Mrs. G. F. Fullerton, the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was used as a Union church, providing a place of worship for all denominations in the community. Public school classes were held in the building during the week. A new community built up about the turn of the century at this location. Named Summerfield after the pioneer Summers family, it gradually replaced the Union Chapel community. The Methodist church relocated to the new town and became known as Summerfield Methodist Episcopal Church, South. The congregation moved to a new building in 1919. It continued to occupy that facility until 1931, when a new brick structure was completed. When the town was renamed New Summerfield in 1838, the church's name changed once again. After the merger of the Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren denominations in 1968, it became known as New Summerfield United Methodist Church. A part of Cherokee County history for over a century, the church continues to serve its community. (1989) |
